Stif Cycles was one the first specialist MTB shops in the UK, having started out (like quite a few other pioneering bike shops (and indeed the odd manufacturer (that’s enough parentheses now))) as a windsurf shop. Readers with long memories may share our fond recollections of browsing through magazines in the early 90s and checking out the Stif ad for the latest trinkets from the likes of Paul Components, Grafton, Nuke Proof, all imported by the shop at the time. Even the now-ubiquitous Camelbak was once a niche brand passing through Stif’s doors. And of course Santa Cruz debuted in the UK via Stif.

After 25 years in Leeds, Stif recently upped its various shiny sticks and relocated to new premises in Summerbridge, North Yorkshire. The new shop dwells adjacent to some of England’s finest “natural” riding and is just a few minutes from the purpose-built trails at Stainburn Forest. And having settled in, it’s having a grand opening shindig this Saturday, 6 February.

As if the large demo fleet, guided rides throughout the day and representatives from major brands including Pace, Orange, Santa Cruz, Yeti, Scott, Niner, Hope, Fox and SIS on hand to talk through their 2010 product ranges isn’t sufficient attraction, the opening bash will also be graced by no less a personage that 2009 UCI DH World Champ Steve Peat.

Oh, and there’ll be hot food, coffee and, most importantly, cake available throughout the day. And special offers, and giveaways, and other stuff. More details can be found at http://www.stif.co.uk/grandopening/, with further info being added during the week.

By way of a handy memory-jogger, the pertinent details are also contained in this short video…